MCC Learning Initiatives

Distance Education

Online courses

Online courses give students the opportunity to balance commitments of schedules and studies allowing the classroom to come to them wherever they are. Courses are accessible via the Internet using a standard Web browser. Each week the student logs on to Blackboard Learn to access the online course(s) in which they are enrolled. MCC’s online courses are built upon a tradition of more than 20 years of delivering alternative learning. Online credit courses are equivalent to on-campus courses and maintain the same academic standard in content, assignments, and credit. Every course is managed by a qualified MCC instructor who provides information, guides students, prompts discussion, helps with assignments, answers questions, and grades work.

Online courses are designed by MCC faculty following the nationally recognized quality assurance and continuous improvement approach Quality Matters (QM).

Students who are not F-1 students and whose primary language is not English need to take the ESL COMPASS to determine course placement. Call 402-457-2400 to get started. The TOEFL is not required. There are federal regulations specific to F-1 students and online classes. Contact International Student Services at 402-457-2281 or iss@mccneb.edu for guidelines.

Hybrid courses

A hybrid course is a coordinated approach to learning, using both online technology and classroom interaction with faculty and peers. MCC hybrid courses meet face-to-face 50 percent of the traditional quarter's campus meetings; the other 50 percent of campus meeting time is replaced with online study and learning activities. Depending on the credit hours, for example, instead of meeting on campus twice per week, students are scheduled to come to class once a week. The remainder of the week is spent completing readings and online assignments.

Hybrid classes provide students unique benefits, including:

More flexibility to choose classes and arrange study time according to students' individual schedules

Engaging classroom time, including focused discussions and applications of course material with faculty and peers

Understanding of the subject matter through analytical online assignments and classroom lectures and activities targeted to students' needs

Accelerated courses

Accelerated courses cover the same quality and quantity content as other courses but are completed in shorter time lengths; generally five-week terms. Accelerated courses are offered as online, hybrid, and face-to-face classes.

Accelerated courses move through the course content very rapidly. Students must be prepared to concentrate on course requirements and devote time to study. Many such courses are designed for working professionals.

Support services

Students may use the College computers in the Learning and Tutoring Centers, computer labs, Enrollment Centers, or libraries. One-on-one assistance is available in the Learning and Tutoring Centers for students who wish to learn how to take online classes. Additionally, services from the Writing and Math centers are available to e-learning students. Librarians are available by phone and in person to help with resources, including more than 60 online research databases.

Campus Share (course conferencing)

Course conferencing offerings enable students to attend classes with students at other MCC locations. Students interact with the instructor and students at other locations via video and audio connections.